Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by a representative from the safari company, who will assist with your transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda’s premier destination for chimpanzee tracking. The drive to Nyungwe is a scenic journey of approximately 5-6 hours, taking you through the rolling hills and lush green landscapes of Rwanda’s countryside. Along the way, you’ll pass through charming villages, tea plantations, and dense forests, offering a glimpse into local life in this beautiful country.

Nyungwe Forest is one of the oldest and largest rainforests in Africa, home to a diverse range of wildlife, including chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and countless bird species. Upon arrival at the park, you’ll check into your lodge, where you can relax and take in the serene surroundings. The evening is free for you to unwind after your long journey, enjoy dinner, and prepare for your chimpanzee tracking adventure the following day.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest

Day two begins with an early breakfast, after which you will head to Nyungwe Forest for a thrilling chimpanzee tracking experience. Nyungwe is one of the best places in Africa to see chimpanzees in the wild. The park is home to a large population of these intelligent primates, and your expert 5-day Rwanda BIG APES Safari guide will lead you through the forest in search of them.

The trek through Nyungwe’s dense forest can vary in duration, depending on the location of the chimpanzees, but the experience is always rewarding. You will have the opportunity to observe the chimpanzees in their natural habitat as they go about their daily routines—whether that be foraging for food, playing, or interacting with one another. Chimpanzees are known for their close genetic relationship with humans, and witnessing them up close in the wild is both awe-inspiring and humbling.

After your chimpanzee trek, you will return to your lodge for a leisurely afternoon of relaxation. Nyungwe Forest offers a range of activities such as canopy walks or nature walks, which allow you to further explore this fascinating ecosystem. You may choose to unwind at your lodge, enjoy the view, or take part in these additional activities. Your evening will be spent enjoying dinner at the lodge while reflecting on the incredible primate encounter of the day.

Road Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

On day three, after a fulfilling breakfast, you will begin your transfer to Volcanoes National Park, the home of the famous mountain gorillas. The drive from Nyungwe to Volcanoes takes about 5-6 hours and is another scenic journey through Rwanda’s stunning landscapes. Along the way, you’ll pass through small villages, lush valleys, and terraced hillsides, making for a truly picturesque drive.

Upon arrival at Volcanoes National Park, you will check in to your lodge and enjoy a delicious lunch. Afterward, your afternoon will be dedicated to visiting the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, which is dedicated to the conservation of the endangered mountain gorillas. Dian Fossey, an American primatologist, spent nearly two decades studying and protecting these incredible animals. Her pioneering work continues to have a profound impact on gorilla conservation efforts today.

The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund provides a fascinating insight into the life of this remarkable woman and her contributions to gorilla research and conservation. Here, you will learn about Fossey’s work, the challenges of protecting mountain gorillas, and the ongoing conservation efforts that continue to safeguard their future. The visit is both educational and inspiring, offering a deeper understanding of the mountain gorillas’ plight and the incredible work being done to ensure their survival.

The evening is free for relaxation, and you can enjoy dinner at your lodge before preparing for your gorilla trekking experience the following day.

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Day four is the highlight of your 5-day Rwanda BIG APES Safari —your chance to embark on the thrilling gorilla trekking adventure. After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the park headquarters for a pre-trek briefing, where you will meet your guides and receive your gorilla trekking permits.

Mountain gorillas are critically endangered, and Volcanoes National Park is one of the few places in the world where you can see them in their natural habitat. The trek can last anywhere from 1 to 5 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas. The trek itself is an exhilarating experience, taking you through the lush forest, navigating steep hills, and walking through dense vegetation. Once you locate the gorillas, you will have one hour to observe them in their natural habitat.

The gorillas are social animals, and observing them up close is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You may see a dominant silverback, a mother caring for her infant, or even playful juveniles interacting with each other. The experience is truly humbling, and many visitors find it to be the highlight of their African safari.

After your gorilla trek, you will return to your lodge for a relaxing afternoon. The evening is free for you to unwind, enjoy a delicious dinner, and reflect on the extraordinary wildlife encounter you’ve just experienced.

Golden Monkey Tracking

On your final day, you will embark on a golden monkey tracking adventure in Volcanoes National Park. Golden monkeys are a smaller, equally captivating primate species found in the same habitat as the mountain gorillas. Known for their bright orange fur and lively nature, golden monkeys are a delight to observe in the wild. The tracking experience is less strenuous than gorilla trekking but still offers a thrilling opportunity to witness these fascinating animals in their natural environment.

After your golden monkey trek, you will return to your lodge for a final lunch before departing. In the afternoon, you will begin your journey back to Kigali, where you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight. This marks the end of your incredible 5-day Rwanda BIG APES Safari, a journey filled with unforgettable wildlife encounters and awe-inspiring moments.